Marin’s invasive plants

Marin County has 1,096 native plants and 583 introduced ones. Some of these introduced species are considered to be invasive. We are all familiar with invasive French broom, which seems to be everywhere. Less familiar are the non-natives such as forget-me-nots, filaree, rattlesnake grass, Bellardia trixago and Montbretia. The California Invasive Plant Inventory categorizes non-native, invasive plants that threaten the state’s wildlands. French broom has a “high” rating with severe ecological impacts; these latter ones have a “limited” rating with minor ecological impact.

Every year I receive a picture from friend or fellow UC Marin Master Gardener of a plant they cannot identify. The one I most often get is a picture of harlequin flower. It is a brightly colored flower of red petals, with yellow at the center surrounded by black. Its scientific name is Sparaxis tricolor. Although attractive, it is a non-native invasive in our wildlands.